Unice Jager

Unice Merya Nelson-Jager transcended to the other side on November 9, 2022  The family wants to celebrate her life as she lived it – with joy and faith.  Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Norden. Inurnment will follow at the East Norden Cemetery.

She was born November 22, 1927, in the county Gailesville, WI.  She was baptized and confirmed at French Creek Lutheran Church. 

The Nelson family moved to Trempealeau, WI, at the age of four. While attending school, she was active in the marching band playing the clarinet. She loved every minute of it. She graduated high school in 1945, and then moved to St. Paul to work for Montgomery Wards.  On February 15, 1948, she married Albert Odell Jager in Iowa. They lived on the family farm, then moved to Wisconsin for a short time, where she played guitar and sang for a band. They returned to South Dakota. She worked after the kids were in school and was always there when they came home from school. 

They were married 64 years prior to Dad’s departure.  They ambitiously raised six children and held down a multitude of jobs throughout her years.  From Holger’s grocery, Antonen’s Café, grade school teacher’s aide (Uni),  Trinity Lutheran church secretary (1966-1973), to work for County Assessor office, where she became the director of Equalization from 1977-1999, at which time she retired. She maintained endless flower gardens. She enjoyed playing the organ, guitar, and singing – especially to country music. Many memories were made with her singing while preparing family dinners. She intently made sure our family celebrated Easter and Christmas holidays, and everything in between. 

There was never a gathering without a deck of cards. She avidly enjoyed her card club and the friendships that were created within our small community. She for some time, served on the board of the city council. She was moved by the love of her family, Leah (sister), and dearly departed friends and siblings, her children, and all the extended family and friends that she passed on her traits to be respected and loved.

With confidence, we are certain that Unice made lefse, krumkake or rosettes and shared with everyone within our area, maybe tri-state area.  You could not come by without having a cup of coffee and a sweet. If you refused the first time, there was a second, third and more…

She is survived by children, Lynnette Schumacher, Sioux Falls, Jeff and Sharon Jager, Volga, Jill Mundale, Minneapolis, MN; Brian and Renae Jager, Lake Norden, and Candice Jager, Santa Fe, NM. Leatrice Bolinger currently residing in TX and Helen Jager in Dawson, MN.

She lived her life with integrity, strong sense of purpose, and a relentless work ethic.  Although she will be greatly missed, all that knew her, thank her, for the laughs, memories and guidance.  And sweets.

She was preceded in death Emil and Lilian Nelson, and by her husband, Odell Jager, son, Tim Jager, granddaughter, Heidi Schumacher.  Her life was forever bonded with her departed sister Irene Trombly and Evelyn Nelson.  Sister, Leatrice Bolinger and sister in law, Helen Jager gratefully remain with us.  She was the proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren, and a host more of great great grandchildren. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Park Villa Care Center, Uni's fellow residents, and to members and volunteers of Hospice of the Midwest for their care, attention, and joy they brought to Uni in her final days.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Unice Jager, please visit our floral store.